Hudson known for parks and schools
It takes five minutes to drive through Hudson, but there are several school campuses, multiple parks and an arts center packed into the tiny North Carolina town. “For a town of less than 4,000 people, we’re punching above our weight in terms of things we offer,” says Town Manager Jonathan Greer. The community sits off U.S. Route 321, which leads north to Boone and south to Hickory. Many residents drive in either direction for work, choosing to live in the smaller community of Hudson. However, Hudson is a choice for those who not only want a small-town address but also prefer to have plenty of options for education, recreation and events.
Public schools and Caldwell Community College located in the community
Greer says Hudson is “the education Center for Caldwell County” due to its concentration of campuses. Children attending Caldwell County Schools can stay in the community to go to Hudson Elementary and Hudson Middle School, while South Caldwell High School is just south of Hudson. Niche gives all three schools B grades.
Students at Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute can earn certificates and associate degrees in business, health care, engineering and more. The Hudson-based college hosts two campuses run by the local school district: Caldwell Early College High School and Caldwell Applied Sciences Academy. Students apply to these high schools, and those enrolled have the chance to graduate with a high school diploma and an associate degree.
Local recreation at Redwood Park, with the Blue Ridge Mountains nearby
In addition to education, recreation is a strength of Hudson, Greer says. Activities at Redwood Park vary from disc golf to pickleball. A 3-mile trail called The Loop starts at the park and includes a half-mile, ADA-accessible segment. The pool at Redwood Park opens from June to August, with discounted admission on Sundays. Hudson runs youth sports leagues for basketball, soccer, baseball and softball. Games for the latter two sports are often played at the city’s Optimist Park Ball Field Complex.
Residents can reach hiking trails and campsites in the Blue Ridge Mountains in less than an hour. Some parks in the mountains are closed indefinitely due to damage caused by Hurricane Helene, but spots such as Grandfather Mountain State Park still welcome visitors.
Newer houses farther from the center of town
The community’s most mature homes are in the heart of Hudson. Bungalows and Cape Cods from the ‘30s and ‘40s sit along roads extending off Center Street. Farther from downtown, ranch homes line straight roads, with larger new traditional houses along winding streets and cul-de-sacs even farther out. A few new homes have been built on the southern end of Hudson since 2020. The median price is $280,000, below the national median.
Arts and entrepreneurship at The HUB, restaurants downtown
Hudson’s arts, retail and business sectors meet at The HUB Station, two former schools converted into a mixed-use center. Inside, people can browse boutiques and art galleries or catch a show at the dinner theater. Plus, Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute’s Small Business Center provides classes and mentorship for entrepreneurs. West of The HUB station, a few restaurants and shops fill the downtown area. Anywhere’z Fine is known for its barbecue, while The Allard Bakery & Bistro attracts diners from multiple counties away. Donna’s Cafe is a longtime breakfast spot. “If you’re a local, you’ve probably eaten at Donna’s more times than you count,” Greer says. On the east end of Hudson, Walmart Neighborhood Market carries groceries, while wineries to the west allow people to sample the flavors of locally grown muscadine grapes.
Events vary from Butterfly Festival to Christmas parade
One of Hudson’s biggest events, the North Carolina Butterfly Festival, takes place in May, bringing vendor booths and a beer and wine garden downtown. In the summer, kids parade through Hudson to celebrate the Fourth of July, Greer says. “Kids can come out with scooters, wagons, Barbie cars. They parade through town, end up at Redwood Park and we have a community cookout. Kids can get into the pool for free that day.” The events season wraps up in December with a Christmas tree lighting, market and parade.
Commuting to Hickory and other North Carolina towns for work
Highways such as Route 321 connect Hudson to larger nearby communities such as Lenoir, Morganton and Hickory. All three are within a roughly 15-mile drive. Greer says all three are common commuting destinations for locals, with a growing number of residents working in Boone, about 30 miles north.
Written By
Alex Soderstrom
